Events

Fairmount Fire Chief Axed

GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4)- CBS4 has learned that the board for the Fairmount Fire Protection District near Golden has fired Fire Chief Don Angell.

Staff members were notified via email late Thursday afternoon. The termination was effective March 31.

Board President Craig Corbin did not immediately return phone calls or emails from CBS4 regarding the termination.

Corbin told department members earlier this week that the fire department board “had lost trust” in Angell. In the email to department members, the board said it had ‘administrative differences’ with Chief Angell.

The fire district board had placed Angell on paid leave March 19th for what were described as “personnel reasons.”

Board members declined to provide any additional information on why Angell was suspended with pay.

Fairmount is a department made up of about 90 professional firefighters and volunteers.

In 2009, CBS4 Investigations into Angell’s business practices brought about changes at the agency. The CBS4 probe found Angell had taxpayers paying thousands of dollars for cell phones for his wife and the wives of other top commanders. The department discontinued the practice after the broadcast investigation. Angell also got in hot water for building a massive training facility for his department without ever securing any permits.

Additional Resources

Email sent to Fire Department members:

To All FFPD Members;

Due to recent administrative differences, the FFPD Board of Directors has
terminated Don Angell from the position of Fire Chief effective March 31st.

Joel Hager will be the acting interim Fire Chief indefinitely while the
Board considers future possibilities.

All FFPD daily operations and current programs will continue on without
interruption.